Screenshot of Imran Khan in interview with Javed Chaudhry on Express News.
Talking to anchorperson Javed Chaudhry in a show called "Kal Tak", PTI chairman said he appreciated Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif for calling the All Parties Conference (APC) to devise counter-terrorism strategies.
He, however, added that in order to curtail crime, national institutions needed to be strengthened, as opposed to individuals and therefore General Kayani's tenure should not be extended.
Asserting that the tenure of former president Pervez Musharraf had also weakened institutions, he said that he wanted cases against former president Asif Ali Zardari to re-open.
"Just because someone is in good terms with the leading party does not mean that they should not be made answerable to their actions," he said, signalling towards improving ties between former president Zardari and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.
Earlier, Asif Ali Zardari had said in a press conference in Lahore that he won't let Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N)'s government falter because he was committed to strengthening democracy.
While speaking about the ongoing security situation in Karachi, Khan said that the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) was the first political party to initiate extortion, and other parties followed in their footsteps.
Taliban talks
On the subject of peace talks with the Taliban, Imran Khan said a ceasefire between the two sides was imperative if talks are to succeed and peace given a chance.
"Ceasefire should be immediately imposed," he said, "especially since it has already been decided in the APC to pursue dialogue as the first option."
COMMENTS (18)
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@Professor: ".... Mr. Khan should use other things for playing politics." . With his understanding and level of maturity, are we not giving him far too much credit. .
I am in position to support the judgement given by Imran Khan
Pakistan could follow current Indian practice of seniormost amongst Lt Generals taking over as COAS & NO EXTENSION. India also follows the same practice in judiciary also.
it was javed chaudry who asked the question about COAS extension and imran khan point is valid that national institutions should be strengthened not individuals
Why does Imran Khan speak of cease fire for peace talks when he knows the Taliban are not willing to lay down their arms? The Taliban have made their position clear : the will not give up arms and their main goal is to impose sharia law.
General Kayani is probably the most non-controversial army chief that Pakistan has ever had. I don't think he deserves to hear statements like these. Just because he did not jump in with the threat of martial law, he is being portrayed as a 'persona non grata'. Mr. Khan should use other things for playing politics.
Waiting for some of MQM and PML(N) web warriors to question IK's maturity or ask about progress in KPK. They jump on every opportunity to comment against any thing PTI or IK; without reading the full story or understating the context of his statement
Its actually great that the 3rd force which is neither right or left is now in shape of PTI. Win-win situation for mature political parties.
And your contempt case also be reopened
For God Sake, give someone else a chance. I think that we should make a constiutional requirement limiting army chief to one term only.No body is indespensible. Are other generals not trustworthy or Good enough to have this job?.
Did you discuss this in APC?
what is your stance about Perviaz Mushraff?
Kiyani already accepted a full term extension so what Imran Khan is saying is perfectly correct.
@A J Khan: It was a question asked from him, and he had to give the best possible answer. Strengthening institutions and not individuals, what wrong do you see with that statement?
Choice of heading is a good effort to make Khan's interview look controversial.
A great Leader Speaks
@ A J Khan IK was not spreading any rumor, he just replied to question asked by anchor. Are you suggesting that he should not respond to any question asked about some national issue of Pakistan?? He is chairman of main opposition party and if he speaks upon national issues that doesn't mean that KPK is out of focus. After all IK is not CM of KPK.
Gen Kiyani has already declined any such proposal, so why should IMRAN KHAN spread unsubstantiated rumors. He should concentrate on making Pakhtunkhwa a ""model province""